I Am "Dodo Bird"

The sky gradually darkened.

Yet the lawn outside the research institute was brightly lit.

It had to be said that the Pokémon League placed great importance on a genius scholar like Sakuragi, someone who had made outstanding contributions at such a young age.

Just looking at the venue's arrangements, it was clear that a tremendous amount of effort, manpower, and resources had gone into it.

Because of their identities, Xia Yan and Cynthia had been seated in a relatively secluded corner.

With them were—

Steven, representing Devon Corporation to offer his congratulations, while also intending to discuss the production and manufacturing of the "Affection" detection device.

Lorelei, the most outstanding student of Silver Academy's current batch, who had come with her professor mentor.

As well as Lance and Clair, who had received the news and come on behalf of the Dragon Clan to offer their congratulations.

After Xia Yan's Gym opening ceremony, the group had gathered together again.

But the atmosphere felt a little strange.

"Cough, cough. What's with all of you staring at me?" Xia Yan coughed, breaking the silent and awkward atmosphere.

"What exactly is the surprise? We asked those two, but they wouldn't tell us." Lance could not help asking.

Xia Yan shifted his gaze aside, avoiding his eyes.

".You'll probably find out soon enough."

After a brief pause, he asked instead, "Have you been this free lately?"

Lance stretched lazily and said with a smile, "There's plenty to do. I just happened to have time."

You really know how to pick your timing. Xia Yan could not help grumbling inwardly.

Once Xia Yan broke the silence, the others began talking as well.

They started discussing Pokémon training and battle techniques.

The topic that came up most often was team composition.

They all knew each other well